Joe Leahy, Jakarta – President Suharto has renewed threats to punish anyone advocating a general election boycott in May, amid growing government fears a record number of voters will abstain.

Analysts point to an increase in discontented groups like those supporting ousted opposition party leader Megawati Sukarnoputri, and students and intellectuals angry about a recent government crackdown.

"We will take punitive measures if there are people who get in the way," Mr Suharto said in Aceh, North Sumatra.

"People have the right to become a golput [abstainer] but they have to stay out of the way. If they try to prevent others exercising their right to vote, they will be punished."

Minority parties are angry about campaign rules they say favour the ruling party, with the Muslim-based United Development Party calling for a boycott.

Ms Megawati's loyalists claim her government-driven dumping from the leadership of the Indonesian Democratic Party last year has alienated thousands of party supporters.

Syamsuddin Haris, an election specialist with the Indonesian Institute of Sciences, said the Government appeared to be rattled.

He said a participation rate lower than 90 per cent would damage the Government's credibility.